Postpartum Depressions Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore
Having a baby is overwhelming and mentally challenging. Postpartum depression is a kind of depression that happens after delivery. It can be debilitating especially when you have a newborn baby to care for. Here are 6 Postpartum Depression Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore
This post is about 6 Postpartum Depression Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore
1.How Postpartum Depression Affects Your Mood
During pregnancy, a woman’s brain changes drastically. These changes are essential to help her prepare for the baby such as bonding and helping her through those restless nights. After delivery, it is normal for you to become emotional. However, constant mood swings are not okay. Feelings of extreme happiness or sadness are a sign of postpartum depression. Not being able to control your mood is important when caring for your baby. You don’t want to be irritable or agitated as this can contribute to you being short-tempered with your baby, and possibly harming them. This is the most common sign of postpartum depression.
2. Fatigue
Being tired when taking care of a baby is completely normal. However, have you been so tired that you haven’t been able to take care of your baby? You don’t want to do anything but sleep? Fatigue points to postpartum depression. Feeling tired even after a good rest is alarming. Fatigue occurs because your mental and physical capacity has decreased dramatically.
3. Loss of Appetite
Who has time to eat when it seems that your baby needs to be fed and changed around the clock? Loss of appetite can happen because you are still in pain from giving birth or because you are tired from caring for a baby. You should set some time aside from the baby so that you can eat and relax. Ask dad, family, or friends to help you. You need to eat so that you have the strength to tend to your baby.
4. Weight Gain/ Loss
Losing weight after giving birth is expected. You no longer have an eight to ten-pound baby, fluid, and a placenta to carry around. If you are breastfeeding, this could also help you lose some of your baby fat. Have you noticed that you are losing a large amount of weight? Ask yourself are you eating enough? Are you exercising too much? If you are not eating enough, raise your calorie intake and stop exercising for a while. You can also gain several pounds as well. If you find yourself overwhelmed and turning to food for comfort, it may be time for a healthy lifestyle change and speak with your doctor to make sure there is no underline medical condition.
5. Inability to Concentrate
Motherhood consists of a balancing act. Taking care of the baby, your home, and not to mention the reoccurring doctor’s appointments can be much to take on. Nevertheless, you have some sort of system to keep you concentrated and focused. If you find yourself unable to concentrate not even on one task, you may be suffering from postpartum. You can also have rumination. This is where you have the same continuous thoughts. These thoughts can be intense, sad, and dark. Rumination has a negative effect on your mental health because it impairs your way of thinking and judgment.
6.Insomnia
For the first few weeks of your baby’s life, you can expect little to no sleep. It seems like a baby knows when you are trying to rest, and they will sound the alarm. When your baby is sound asleep though, do you find yourself just looking at the wall? Did dad take the baby out for a drive to give you a rest and you still can’t sleep? Insomnia is the inability to go to sleep or stay asleep even though you are still tired. There is no way to adequately take care of your baby with no sleep.
If you are having any signs of postpartum depression, it is important you speak with your doctor right away. I know that being a mother we believe that we must do everything by ourselves. That is not the case. If you are not at your best, it means that your baby is not receiving the best care. Do not feel ashamed for asking for help. Being at your best is beneficial for you and your baby.
If you would like more information on postpartum depression, go to:
https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/69/wr/mm6919a2.htm
How Does Postpartum Depression Go Away?
Postpartum depression varies by person. You can have it for a few months or a year. How do you get rid of postpartum depression? You need to seek help immediately. Speak with your OBGYN and let them know t hat you are experiencing symptoms of postpartum depression. They can direct you to the right place and get treatment. Never dismiss your feelings or symptoms. These are postpartum depression symptoms you shouldn’t ignore. Having postpartum depression does not mean that you are a bad mother or that you are weak. It is okay to ask for help when needed. With help and perseverance, you will get through this.
***I am not a medical professional. This information is for informative purposes only. Please seek medical attention immediately if you are experiencing a crisis. ***
